What are the common issues with the M272 engine?
2 Answers
M272 engine common issues are: balance shaft wear, timing chain skipping, vacuum valve lever breakage, and camshaft position sensor prone to failure. After a certain mileage or period of use, the engine's balance shaft will wear severely, leading to timing chain skipping. In mild cases, it results in sluggish acceleration, while severe cases may cause engine shaking and failure to start, even damaging the valves. The M272 engine is a star model from Mercedes-Benz, evolved from the M112 engine, delivering a maximum power of 200kW at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 350Nm between 2500 to 5000 rpm.
I've driven Mercedes-Benz cars for many years, and the common issues with the M272 engine are quite a headache. The most frequent problem is the timing chain. Over time, the chain can become loose or even skip teeth, causing a rattling sound inside the engine, which may eventually damage the entire engine if left unchecked. There are also other common failure points, such as the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system malfunctioning, leading to improper valve operation and directly affecting power output. Additionally, the intake manifold often cracks and leaks air, causing the engine to struggle and fuel consumption to skyrocket. Oil leaks are another nuisance, especially when the valve cover gasket ages and leaves oily stains everywhere. If you notice these issues, it's crucial to address them immediately—delaying repairs can lead to costs soaring into the thousands. Regular inspections of the timing chain and oil changes are essential, ideally at least once a year, to prevent major problems.
